Furniture Designer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Furniture Designer. A Furniture Designer Plans, designs, develops and documents furniture products for manufacturing with particular emphasis on ergonomic (human) factors, marketing considerations and manufacturability, and prepares them for prototype, mass, batch or once-off production. A qualified learner will be able to: • Solve furniture design problems through the design of product solutions by independently integrating design principles and applying critical thinking skills to analyse, synthesise and evaluate. • Apply research and analysis methodology which demonstrate detailed knowledge of the practice of furniture design and its relationship to other practices. • Use a range of design concept simulation methods, processes and techniques for communicating a furniture design solution which is aesthetical appealing and suitable to the rendering event. • Create marketable furniture concepts, design solutions and products addressing all aspects of the design brief and display good design and innovative characteristics. • Compile a comprehensive production pack for manufacturing of the product according to specifications given.

The Furniture Designer qualification opens learning opportunities in support of career pathing which did not exist before and which will strengthen the furniture industry. To harness and nurture furniture design skills will give prominence to an industry that has potential to be world class. The qualification will develop the skills necessary to bridge the gap between an idea, concept or a specific need in the furniture manufacturing industry that will be tasked with making the design into reality. This qualification will be attractive to a wide range of learners because the qualification does not only empower those with high cognitive skills but also includes learners that have strength in hands-on making skills. The course will also empower the students with a holistic understanding of the furniture value chain which will give them the opportunity to understand where their skills can add the greatest value. Industry will have access to qualified furniture designers who think in a constructive and design way producing creations that are both aesthetic and production friendly and have the ability to see a finished product in its entirety before production begins. This will mean that the production process can be planned down to the smallest detail to optimize production and cut down costs. Learners will have the ability to analyse post production in order to better streamline future projects and overall production efficiency. This qualification will not only ignite an interest in the furniture industry and strengthen the employability of a new generation but will also ignite a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs that will have the ability to use their skills and find employment across the furniture industry. School leavers that have an interest and passion for design are targeted, as well as people in the field of architecture and interior design who wishes to specialise in furniture design. The National Department of Arts & Culture and the National Department of Trade and Industry are currently driving the development of a National Design Policy. It is evident that this policy has the power to add value to most focus areas of the South Africa (SA) National policy document. The furniture design industry therefore has potential to add value to various sectors from education, housing, business sectors and even in tourism and leisure to mention only a few. To consciously drive a more responsible design ethos is vital. The intention of this qualification is not to focus on the skills at hand but to drive and develop a new mind-set and design ethos by focussing on the inclusion of universal and sustainable design principles from the outset. This will ensure that the upcoming generation of furniture designers will be equipped with different skills sets that will empower them to consciously add value to the design of a more sustainable, inclusive and human friendly world which will in the long-term highlight the significance of this qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • Level 4 with Mathematics. Or • Qualified artisan in the furniture industry.

• Solve furniture design problems through the design of product solutions by independently integrating design principles and applying critical thinking skills to analyse, synthesise and evaluate.
• Apply research and analysis methodology which demonstrate detailed knowledge of the practice of furniture design and its relationship to other practices.
• Use a range of design concept simulation methods, processes and techniques for communicating a furniture design solution which is aesthetical appealing and suitable to the rendering event.
• Create marketable furniture concepts, design solutions and products addressing all aspects of the design brief and display good design and innovative characteristics.
• Compile a comprehensive production pack for manufacturing of the product according to specifications given.
• Communicate, render, present and market a concept and furniture design solution to a client.
• Draft the production proposal for manufacturing of the furniture product.
• Plan the production of the furniture design and compile all production documentation.